Current data is projecting that the summer of 2024 may be one of the hottest summers on record. Metro Nashville has put together a comprehensive website that discusses the dangers of heat, specifically in Nashville and what to look out for. The website also has information on the “heat mapping” campaign which showcases which parts of the city are being impacted most by extreme heat. Continue reading to learn more about extreme heat in Nashville. Additionally, the National Weather Service has released a heat map for the country, you van view that here.
What is Extreme Heat?
Extreme heat, also referred to as “heat waves”, is defined as a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90°F for at least 2 to 3 days. Extreme heat is the leading cause of death among all hazardous weather events and produces more premature deaths than all other hazardous weather events, COMBINED.
Extreme Heat and Climate Change
In Nashville, climate change is predicted to worsen extreme heat more than any other weather threat. While temperatures are expected to rise by a minimum of 1.5°C worldwide (IPCC, 2018), this represents a global average and hides the fact that extreme heat events will increase in frequency, duration, and intensity (IPCC, 2021).
According to a peer-reviewed report by First Street Foundation, Davidson County is expected to have 26 extreme heat days in 2023. By 2053, this number is expected to rise to 45 (First Street Foundation).
The effects of extreme heat include detrimental public health outcomes as well as infrastructural and economic challenges.
Heat has significant public health consequences.
From 2010 to 2021, there were 3009 documented heat-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits in Davidson County (Tennessee Department of Health).
The most common protective behavior taken by individuals and organizations against extreme heat is AC use. The widespread use of AC to cool indoor environments produces additional heat that is released into the environment, further exacerbating the urban heat island effect.
It is estimated that increasing temperatures will create $74.9 Million in additional energy costs for Tennesseans each year during the summer months by the year 2053 relative to 2023 energy costs (First Street Foundation, The 6th National Risk Assessment Report: Hazardous Heat).
The consequences of heat are not limited to human health and energy consumption. Extreme heat can impact transportation infrastructure when concrete structures such as roadways are exposed to direct sunlight and high heat.
Heat can also damage power lines and water retention structures such as dams, and poses the threat of heat-related power outages that create additional health risks for Nashvillians (U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency).
